Before the introduction of the Burton Fish in 2002, conventional wisdom held that when it came to pow-specific boards, length was the key. In effect, the Fish returned snowboarding to its surfy roots with a significant tip-to-tail taper allowing for the nose to rise and the tail to drop when the conditions warranted. While the debut Fish was a 156, future models would trade length for width and in turn maintain the same float. Burton and other manufacturers quickly realized that putting more material underfoot enabled increased maneuverability without sacrificing stability. As of late, translating the concepts and theories of surfboard shaping—ideas like hydrodynamic flow and buoyancy—to snowboards has become commonplace, enabling a new wave of fully functional powder-specific sticks that come in at under 150cm! The following pages showcase 10 shorties that riders everywhere are longing for. ­—Pat Bridges

Taper is the name of the game when it comes to the Arbor Terrapin. Featuring a 5cm disparity of width from tip-to-tail, the Terrapin is ripe for endless laps on the deepest days. Helping to facilitate float are front and rear uprise fenders that extend from the contact points well into the rise of the shovel, while griptech outcroppings under the back binding ensures that control is maintained during any inbounds excursions.arborcollective.comAVAILABLE LENGTHS: 145cm
MSRP: $499.99

A few seasons back, Burton introduced their Family Tree series to cater to riders looking to add some exotic flair to their stable of sticks. Now in its second year of release, the SkipJack Surf brings added depth to the Family Tree moniker and Burton’s classic Cruiser of the mid-80’s, with its elongated nose and slight split tail, is at the root of the SkipJack’s DNA. Modern day materials like Super Sap and an EcoZen Topsheet make the SkipJack a contemporary and environmentally friendly option for powder purists looking to pair their stoke with sustainability.burton.comAVAILABLE LENGTHS: 148cm
MSRP: $549.95

The CAPiTA Spring Break Slush Slasher has attained a cult following amongst the crack of noon club and in the process emerged as an unlikely quiver killer. Make no mistake, with its extended flatkick tip and “vacation” inverted tail, the Slush Slasher excels once the pow piles up, but the board’s faithful also don’t fret about taking this non-twin into the park, railing it across the corduroy or mettling with metal on it. The satisfaction of riding switchstance on such a decidedly directional deck makes even the simplest 180 spins that much sicker! capitasnowboarding.comAVAILABLE LENGTHS: 143cm, 147cm, 151cm
MSRP: $369.95

Friction is the enemy of flow which is why the Jones Storm Chaser, with it’s Spoon 4.0 nose lays down tracks like liquid mercury. In effect, the Spoon 4.0 is created by a shallow bottom contour with the boundaries of the nose slightly beveled allowing for easier roll into and out of turns as well as added float. The winged fringe of the Storm’s swallowtail is also flared up to achieve similar dexterity when exiting a turn. In order to ensure that these surf-inspired concepts were properly translated from the beach to the backcountry, Jones turned to famed San Diego surfboard shaper Chris Christenson who lent his wave riding know-how as well as personal expertise as an experienced rider to the overall makeup of the Storm Chaser.jonessnowboards.comAVAILABLE LENGTHS: 142cm, 147cm, 157cm
MSRP: $369.95

7-10cm is how much K2 suggests a rider sizes down when deciding which Party Platter is best for them. In other words, if your ride of choice is 160 centimeters then the Party Platter 150 is made with you in mind. K2 is able to provide such a compact platform without sacrificing performance thanks to their Volume Shift™ technology that exchanges extraneous length for girth. As much as the Party Platter is a highly practical powder vessel, K2’s intention with its avant-garde design is to provide a playful option for any conditions, not just the idyllic ones, which is why the Party Platter features a conventional kick tail.k2snowboarding.comAVAILABLE LENGTHS: 143cm, 150cm
MSRP: $549.95

Jamie Lynn partnered with Lost Surfboards famed founder and master shaper Matt Biolos to see just how short and wide they could make a snowboard without negatively affecting its rideability. The result is a stable and stubby stick that is surprisingly versatile. As unconventional as the shape may seem, the Mayhem features traditional camber and is void of MagneTraction, making it even more of a departure for the designers at Mervin. Of course it wouldn’t be a Lib Tech if it couldn’t perform off-piste, and to that end the Mayhem doesn’t disappoint.lib-tech.comAVAILABLE LENGTHS: 146cm
MSRP: $599.95

The old adage “No friends on a pow day” apparently doesn’t apply to designing a board for that pow day, as Austin Smith & Bryan Fox once again share signatures on the topsheet of the new Nitro Treehugger. When it comes to navigating glades, maneuverability is paramount. Taking the positive traits of their Quiver pow-specific shape and tweaking them for tighter turning meant blunting the nose, slimming the center point and adding a great deal of taper. While still able to blast open bowl roosters, the Treehugger comes into its own in the wilds of the woods. nitrousa.comAVAILABLE LENGTHS: 149cm
MSRP: $499.95

Hippie split-boarders take heed, here comes the Ride Warpig! More punk rock than peacenik, the Warpig is a take-no-prisoners, unapologetic descender with a blunt nose and tail to match its blunt attitude. While it barged the podium at the World Slopestyle Championships, the Warpig was designed to make the whole mountain it’s bitch. Slimewalls provide a damp and durable casing for the Warpig’s performance tuned core while the width and tapered directional rocker shape provide an aggressive personality that gives it an undeniable presence underfoot.ridesnowboards.comAVAILABLE LENGTHS: 148cm, 154cm
MSRP: $529.95

Rome

Multiply your enjoyment with the Rome Powder Division ST. One needn’t look too closely to realize that this model is made for steep and deep disciples, yet the details are what truly makes the ST (Swallowtail) a standout in any quiver. In profile, the Powder S 3D camber with rail-to-rail rocker at the leading contact points becomes pronounced. This attribute takes a blower-ready shape and makes it that much more ideal for those bottomless days.romesnowboards.comAVAILABLE LENGTHS: 148cm
MSRP: $429.99

yes

Unlike other brands who arrived at the volume epiphany by way of surfing, YES. readily admits their influence is Steve Lis and kneeboarding. Of course, it took someone standing up on a Steve Lis creation for his theories to truly revolutionize waveriding. From the day YES. introduced the 420 five years ago, this board has been an industry leader both figuratively and literally, as anyone who has been left behind by a 420 rider can attest. The 420’s ability to broaden ones untracked horizons comes from its buoyancy and strategic volume distribution, enabling riders to carry speed over low angle faces and maneuver with purpose. As for the name 420? Well, 710 wasn’t even a thing five years ago.
yesnowboard.comAVAILABLE LENGTHS: 148cm, 152cm
MSRP: $499.00